KPC ’ s Giving Garden to feed others flourishes under the guidance of Jetsunma .
Are you still giving ? I am . I ’ ll never stop . And I will never stop bugging you . Until you feed the world .
- Jetsunma and reach more families . KPC Buddhist Relief started a “ Giving Garden ” on KPC ’ s grounds to grow quality , nutritious food to donate . Jetsunma adopted chickens , ducks , geese and turkeys to provide eggs .
As Jetsunma ’ s vision continued to grow , she wanted KPC Buddhist Relief to address food insecurity across Montgomery County , Maryland . One of the wealthiest counties in the United States , in 2023 , 34 % of Montgomery County residents experienced food insecurity . And the problems have only gotten worse since the pandemic with the reduction of SNAP benefits .
Inspired by her commitment to feed the hungry , KPC Buddhist Relief volunteers organized fundraising opportunities , began applying for grants , including one from the Montgomery County Food Council to expand the Giving Garden . KPC Buddhist Relief partnered with local food banks , pantries and kitchens to deliver food to those in need , from Poolesville to Silver Spring and even into the District .
Together with Western Upper Montgomery County ( WUMCO ), Little Food Pantry , the Upcounty Hub , Shepherd ’ s Table , Miriam ’ s Kitchen , First Baptist Church of Silver Spring , a community of refugees from Senegal and Gambia living in
Montgomery County , KPC Buddhist Relief is answering the call to help end food insecurity . In 2024 alone , KPC Buddhist Relief grew and / or procured thousands of pounds of fresh fruit , vegetables , eggs , meat , nutritious staples like rice and beans , and other cooking supplements , like oil and condiments .
The needs of the pantries and kitchens change from week to week . By collaborating with partner leadership , donations from KPC Buddhist Relief are a timely response to those needs , from the kinds of produce desired to the spices and condiments that best match the cultural needs of the people they serve . And KPC Buddhist Relief is consistent and reliable in its regularly scheduled deliveries , ensuring that shelves are stocked and plates are always full . This is only the beginning for KPC
Buddhist Relief .
As we continue to grow to meet the growing needs of our neighbors , KPC Buddhist Relief has acquired commercial refrigerators , making it possible to buy in bulk and store produce before deliveries . Two vans , one of which is refrigerated , transport donations safely . Support is also growing , with more grants and national organization recognition anticipated in 2025 .
When emergencies arise , KPC Buddhist Relief responds as well . When weather strikes , pandemics occur , food shortages happen — as long as food insecurity exists , KPC Buddhist Relief will continue to respond to the needs of our neighbors .
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